Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce:
Asia Pacific
Youth Insights
Summary
Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce: Asia Pacific Youth Insights captures the perspectives of more than 4,200 young people across ten Asia Pacific countries and territories on their readiness for the future of work. Exploring education, entrepreneurship, global trade, and AI, the report provides insights to help strengthen pathways between classrooms and workplaces.
Overview
As Asia Pacific undergoes rapid technological and workforce transformation, understanding how young people perceive their own readiness for the future has become increasingly important. Shaping Tomorrow's Workforce: Asia Pacific Youth Insights presents findings from a survey of more than 4,200 young people aged 15 to 22 across ten countries and territories in Asia Pacific, offering a region-wide perspective on the opportunities, challenges, and skills shaping the next generation of talent.
Published to mark 20 years of collaboration between FedEx and Junior Achievement (JA) through the FedEx/JA International Trade Challenge (ITC), the report places youth perspectives at the centre of discussions on workforce development and economic growth.
The research explores four areas critical to future employability and competitiveness: education-to-work readiness, entrepreneurship, global trade, and artificial intelligence (AI). It examines how young people assess their preparedness for work, their entrepreneurial aspirations, their understanding of international trade, and their confidence in navigating an AI-enabled future.
Drawing on insights from youth in China, Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, the report provides evidence-based perspectives for educators, employers, policymakers, and business leaders seeking to strengthen pathways from education to opportunity and prepare young people for a rapidly evolving world.
Official Launch of "Shaping Tomorrow's Workforce: Asia Pacific Youth Insights" on August 17, 2026 by Ms. Yeo Wan Ling, Assistant Secretary-General, NTUC; Member of Parliament for Punggol GRC; Chairwoman, Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) for Manpower, Singapore, with Salil Chari (Regional President APAC, FedEx), Dr Vivek Kumar (President and CEO, Junior Achievement Asia Pacific), Youth representatives from Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
The 2026 FedEx/Junior Achievement International Trade Challenge Asia Pacific Finals
The 2026 Finals marks a significant milestone in the programme’s journey. Reaching its 20th year, the FedEx/Junior Achievement International Trade Challenge has established itself as one of Asia Pacific’s most impactful platforms for developing future-ready talent. Participants collaborate across cultures and disciplines to tackle real-world business scenarios, gaining valuable insight into what it takes to succeed in international markets.
Beyond the competition, the experience is designed to develop capabilities that are essential for the future of work, including:
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Critical thinking and problem-solving
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Cross-cultural collaboration
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Adaptability in fast-paced environments
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Clear and confident communication
Participants leave with more than a business solution. They gain the mindset and confidence to navigate a complex, connected global economy. Hosted in Singapore, a global centre for trade, innovation, and cultural exchange, this year’s event reflects both how far the Challenge has come and the opportunities that lie ahead. Singapore provides the ideal setting for students to explore international business in action while experiencing a vibrant, interconnected economy.
Agenda
Meet the Finalists
Meet the Judges
Grand Finals Round Judges
Dr Hsien-Hsien Lei
Chief Executive Officer,
The American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (AmChamSG)
As CEO of AmCham, Singapore, Dr. Lei leads the largest and the most active international business association in Singapore and Southeast Asia representing over 650 companies. Hsien is also Adjunct Associate Professor at the National University of Singapore Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, member of the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health’s Advisory Board, Vice President of the Precision Public Health Asia Society, board member and fundraising committee chair of TalentTrust, fundraising and advocacy committee vice chair of SATA CommHealth and member of the Singapore University of Social Sciences School of Business advisory committee.
Dr Neo Kok Beng
Chairman, Founder and Chief Executive Officer,
NEO Aeronautics
Dr. Neo Kok Beng is an engineer, educator, entrepreneur, and innovation leader with extensive experience in advanced engineering, technology commercialization, and deep-tech venture building. He is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of NEO Aeronautics, a Singapore-based company focused on making personal aviation more accessible through innovative aerospace technologies. He also serves as a Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) of Singapore, Vice President of The Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES), and Adjunct Professor at the Singapore Institute of Technology, where he promotes innovation and entrepreneurship. Over the course of his career, Dr. Neo has founded and supported numerous technology ventures across aerospace, healthcare, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. A Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society (FRAeS), he is widely recognized for his contributions to engineering innovation, education, and industry development. Passionate about nurturing future innovators, he actively mentors young entrepreneurs and champions STEM education initiatives across the Asia Pacific region.
Patrick Lim
Chief Executive Officer,
ACE.SG (Action Community for Entrepreneurship)
Patrick has served as CEO of ACE.SG since October 2023. With over 20 years of experience in public service, he brings a solid track record in a diverse portfolio from industry and ecosystem development, policy formulation, and venture building. As a member of the pioneer secretariat team, Patrick played a foundational role in driving Singapore’s national entrepreneurship movement. His early leadership was instrumental in key milestones, including the corporatisation of ACE.SG and the strategic development of JTC LaunchPad@one-north.
Thaddeus Koh
Co-Founder,
e27
Thaddeus is the Co-Founder at e27 (Optimatic), where he focuses on building strategic partnerships, driving business growth, and fostering Gov2Gov and cross-border collaborations that strengthen e27’s role as a central connector in Southeast Asia’s innovation ecosystem. He has led flagship initiatives such as Echelon, TOP100, and the FLUX Series, and spearheaded key collaborations with partners including Meta on the Facebook Community Accelerator and sustainability programmes. An NUS Overseas Colleges Silicon Valley alumnus, Thaddeus also contributes to CASA, advancing startup-led sustainability efforts in Singapore.